I once found that my husband hand armpit stains from his deodorant which were obviously noticeable on his black work shirt. As I looked for the best way to get rid of them, I discovered an article on rubbing epsom salts into the stains and it took out the stains immediately. I was so amazed that I did more research. There are many different controversal opinions. 


Fabric softening abilities - There is debate on whether epsom salts actually work in a load of laundy as a fabric softener. Things which need to be considered is the hardness in your water where you live. The water in my area tests as being very hard, but my water comes from a well, not citry water. (I am not sure if the results in the test for my area came from the city water or well.) In some articles I have read they state you will want to add ¼ cup of distilled vinegar to your wash to break down the hardness. It is also said that Epsom san eliminate static cling.


Laundry scent booster - Epsom Salts can be used as a scent booster for your laundry. I have found that you can add 1 ½ Tablespoons of epsom salt to you laundry detergent as a fabric scent booster. As I have said I like using lavender scent, but you can can also use eucalyptus spearmint scented, depending on your preference. (Eucalyptus and spearmint are also know for their anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.)


Cleaning booster - Epsom salt can be used in your laundry soap to increase is cleaning abilities.I have read that you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of epsom salt to your laundry detergent to add a boost to your laundry soap. 


I have experimented with using epsom salts for my laundry in these two different methods, and can give you my opinions and results.



  1. Removing ARM PIT STAINS - This was a quick fix to my husbands arm pit stains, and the resusts were quick.

  • Pour epsom salts into the inside of the shirt directly on the armpit stain.

  • Rub the epsom salt directly into the armpit stain.

  • Continue rubbing epsom salt into the stain until it disappears. I have found that the stain disappears relatively quickly.

  • Place shirt with remaining epsom salt directly in the washing machine and run through the cycle with other laundry to make up a load.

The result was amazing. Not only did I get rid of the armpit stains, but also I found that my husbands black shirt looked less faded, and almost restored to looking like new.


  1. Keeping laundry fresh and maintained. I have been putting 1 Tablespoon of Dr. Teals Lavender Scented Epsom Salt into my laundry soap ever since, and have found that I have managed to keep the armpit stain from returning, his shirts have stayed fresh and my clothes have not had any static cling.


I find it is worthwhile to continue using epsom salt